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Applied Research Associates, Inc.

Wes Bratton

Daniel James Rooney

A ground penetrometer for determining pH and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) of soils. The penetrometer includes an ORP electrode, a pH electrode, reference electrodes, and a temperature sensor. A singular reference electrode device establishes two reference partial electrical circuits complementing the ORP and pH electrodes. The reference electrode device includes an electrolytic chamber isolated from soil being investigated by an ion permeable ceramic barrier. Electrolytic liquids are retained within their chamber. The temperature sensor and the electrical circuits generate voltage or current signals to transducers, which in turn generate data signals responsive to the electrical signals to a microprocessor. The penetrometer, a driver for forcing the penetrometer into the ground, and the microprocessor are carried on a motorized vehicle to and about a site being investigated. The data is stored within the microprocessor and is available for graphic reproduction and transferral to other data handling equipment.

In situ oxidation reduction potential measurement of soils and ground

Three separate volatile organic compound (VOC) traps are installed in a housing driven into the earth using cone penetometer testing (CPT) techniques. The traps are valved so that each trap is filled at a different depth. Operation of the unit is done by installing three fresh clean traps into a cone module. The unit is pushed to the desired depth using CPT techniques. One of the three traps is selected using an electronic switch in a truck located above the collection site to control a valving arrangement for direction of VOCs to a selected trap. Heaters are turned on to heat the surrounding soil to increase removal of volatiles from the soil or water at the sample collection point. The heaters are formed of nickel-chromium wires wrapped around an insulated section of the CPT push rod. The wire is protected during the penetration process by a stainless steel sleeve that threads over the wire wrapped section. Electricity through the wire will heat the wire to approximately 200.degree. Celsius which will then heat the surrounding soil. The VOC trap collects the volatiles downhole thereby eliminating any possibility of volatilization during the recovery and testing process.

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South Royalton, VT, United States of America

Wes Bratton